Related Articles

Koror is both a state and an island in the Republic of Palau. According to the Palau Environmental Quality Protection Board, almost 70 percent of the population of Palau lives in Koror, as of 2011. Aside from being the commercial center of the country, the state of Koror also attracts the majority of the tourism and features main resorts for the area.

Jellyfish Lake

Jellyfish Lake is one of the most visited attractions in Koror. This marine lake is home to nonstinging golden jellyfish. The lake is so saturated with these large jellyfish that at some points throughout the year it might contain several million of the creatures. Because the jellyfish don't sting, they are a huge attraction for snorkelers. To get there, travelers book a tour to Eil Malk island, then follow a short trail to reach the lake. Diving is not allowed to protect the jellyfish. The island surrounding the lake is uninhabited, making for a wild, secluded trip.

Belau National Museum

The Belau National Museum (belaunationalmuseum.org) has a number of indoor and outdoor exhibits chronicling the history of Palau. The outdoor exhibits include the Diangel hangar -- which houses a Carolinian canoe -- a mesei or taro patch, a traditional Palau crop, and a number of World War II relics, remnants of battles in the Pacific. Indoor exhibits include the Palauan Art exhibit, a number of canoes and information on explorers and traders throughout the history of Palau. The museum also organizes events throughout the year, including an October fair to celebrate Palau's Independence Day.

Etpison Museum

The Etpison Museum (necomarine.com/museum.html) offers a number of collections focused on the history and culture of Palau and Micronesia. The exhibits are very eclectic, including everything from antique money, canoes, photography and sculpture. In the past, Palauans used turtleshells and beads as currency, and examples of these are also part of the collection. Visitors can also see a 12-foot wood sculpture of a dugong, a local marine mammal in danger of extinction. Traditional huts, also known as "bai" or "men's house," offers a peak into living traditions.

Dolphins Pacific

Dolphins Pacific (dolphinspacific.com) is a marine research facility that focuses on studying dolphins, their habits and their environment. The dolphins are free but welcome interaction with humans. Based on this, the facility organizes "swimming sessions," where you can either spend time in shallow waters, touching and talking to the dolphins, or try a free dive, where you can go down into the water and interact with the animals more closely. Private, one-on-one diving tours are also available, where you'll dive with a guide to explore the habitat as well as interact with the animals. To participate in a diving tour, you'll need to show that you have a diving license. The center also offers educational programs and ecotours of the surrounding areas.

References

About the Author

Tammy Dray has been writing since 1996. She specializes in health, wellness and travel topics and has credits in various publications including Woman's Day, Marie Claire, Adirondack Life and Self. She is also a seasoned independent traveler and a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. Dray is pursuing a criminal justice degree at Penn Foster College.

Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.